LONDON -- When it first went up, the London Eye, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris more than a century ago, was considered by some to be an eyesore, a blot on the skyline, an engineering monstrosity. But like the Eiffel Tower, the Eye -- a gigantic observation wheel on the banks of the Thames -- has become a symbol of the city and one of its most popular tourist attractions. The Eye opened Dec. 31, 1999, the eve of the new millennium. Last year, 3.7 million passengers rode it, rising 443 feet into the air for grand views of London.

The Orlando Eye, the 400 foot-tall observation wheel being built on International Drive, should be ready for opening by the spring of 2015. That's a few months later than developer Chuck Whittall had hoped - he was shooting for Dec. 31 - but Whittall is taking the delay in stride. "Something like this is all custom-made," said Whittall, of Unicorp National Developments Inc. "The delays we've had have all been about building something that hasn't been built before. " Whittall was part of the team that gathered on I-Drive Wednesday to provide an update on the project, part of a $200 million redevelopment plan on property a little south of Sand Lake Road.

LONDON -- The London Eye -- one of the city's tourist attractions -- was shut down for more than six hours Tuesday after a man climbed to the top of the 443-foot Ferris wheel. The man, who police think may have been a protester, started ascending the wheel about 6:30 a.m., and was talked down six hours later. The man's motivation was unknown.

British attractions giant Merlin Entertainments has inked a deal with DreamWorks Animation to create a live, interactive adventure about everyone's favorite ogre, and the company says Orlando is under consideration as a site. Merlin plans to roll out six Shrek's Far Far Away Adventure attractions during the next nine years. Few details about the nature of the attraction have been released. At 20,000 square feet, it will play on the popularity of Shrek and his friends, who have been an enduring franchise for DreamWorks for more than a decade.

The company that's erecting a giant observation wheel on International Drive is dropping the I-Drive Live name, even before the attraction has opened. The complex will now be called The Orlando Eye, according to Unicorp National Developments, the Orlando-based company developing the 425-foot-tall observation wheel. Orlando Eye is a name many people were already using to refer to the project, which is expected to open at the end of next year. The change gives the attraction branding similar to that of the London Eye, perhaps the most well-known observation wheel in the world.

The giant observation wheel planned for International Drive is supposed to rival the world-famous London Eye. But will the view from an Orlando Eye rival the well-known panorama provided by its English counterpart? Turns out you can see almost everything in Central Florida from 425 feet up in the air above I-Drive - from a tiny version of Spaceship Earth in Epcot to the downtown skyline to the OUC power plant partway to the Space Coast. But you can't see any of it particularly well.

Bill Kitchen, 62, is a ride inventor and founder of Windermere-based US ThrillRides. His design for a giant observation wheel, the SkyView, may find its way to International Drive as part of an entertainment complex announced last week. He spoke with staff writer Sara K. Clarke . CFB: What is your background, and how did you get involved in ride development? My background is electrical engineering, and for many years I was in the broadcasting business.

Orlando isn't the only city trying to reinvent the wheel. A giant observation wheel planned for Orlando's International Drive is one of a handful in the works in cities such as Las Vegas and New York. The 425-foot wheel at I-Drive Live was initially expected to open in 2013 but has been pushed to summer or fall of 2014. In the meantime, several companies in other U.S. destinations have solidified their own projects. In Las Vegas, dueling observation wheels are being planned for either side of the famed strip, both taller than Orlando's and with projected opening dates in late 2013 and early 2014.

London dazzles year-round, but for a true "back door" experience, consider visiting in winter, when airfares and hotel rates are generally cheaper -- and there are fewer tourists. London's a super one-week getaway, with sights that can keep even the most fidgety traveler well entertained. As an off-season adventurer, you can wander alone through the National Gallery, gaze at the crown jewels undisturbed and be the only one trying to talk to stiff-lipped guards at Buckingham Palace.

The Orlando Eye, the 400 foot-tall observation wheel being built on International Drive, should be ready for opening by the spring of 2015. That's a few months later than developer Chuck Whittall had hoped - he was shooting for Dec. 31 - but Whittall is taking the delay in stride. "Something like this is all custom-made," said Whittall, of Unicorp National Developments Inc. "The delays we've had have all been about building something that hasn't been built before. " Whittall was part of the team that gathered on I-Drive Wednesday to provide an update on the project, part of a $200 million redevelopment plan on property a little south of Sand Lake Road.

The company that's erecting a giant observation wheel on International Drive is dropping the I-Drive Live name, even before the attraction has opened. The complex will now be called The Orlando Eye, according to Unicorp National Developments, the Orlando-based company developing the 425-foot-tall observation wheel. Orlando Eye is a name many people were already using to refer to the project, which is expected to open at the end of next year. The change gives the attraction branding similar to that of the London Eye, perhaps the most well-known observation wheel in the world.

Orlando isn't the only city trying to reinvent the wheel. A giant observation wheel planned for Orlando's International Drive is one of a handful in the works in cities such as Las Vegas and New York. The 425-foot wheel at I-Drive Live was initially expected to open in 2013 but has been pushed to summer or fall of 2014. In the meantime, several companies in other U.S. destinations have solidified their own projects. In Las Vegas, dueling observation wheels are being planned for either side of the famed strip, both taller than Orlando's and with projected opening dates in late 2013 and early 2014.

"London's calling and I'm going to answer it. " Emily travels to London with her top 10 men. When Chris Harrison greets the group in Trafalgar Square, he congratulates them on being one step closer to marrying Emily. There are no cheers, no smiles. They finally realized this is more than an all-expenses paid vacation with a bunch of douche bags and cameras. Shawn's face finds good lighting Sarah: Emily invites Shawn ("Biceps") on a one-on-one date. They start with a double-decker bus tour and a quick walk through the park.

The giant observation wheel planned for International Drive is supposed to rival the world-famous London Eye. But will the view from an Orlando Eye rival the well-known panorama provided by its English counterpart? Turns out you can see almost everything in Central Florida from 425 feet up in the air above I-Drive - from a tiny version of Spaceship Earth in Epcot to the downtown skyline to the OUC power plant partway to the Space Coast. But you can't see any of it particularly well.

Bill Kitchen, 62, is a ride inventor and founder of Windermere-based US ThrillRides. His design for a giant observation wheel, the SkyView, may find its way to International Drive as part of an entertainment complex announced last week. He spoke with staff writer Sara K. Clarke . CFB: What is your background, and how did you get involved in ride development? My background is electrical engineering, and for many years I was in the broadcasting business.

Brighton is southern England's fun city and the destination for students, bohemians and blue-collar Londoners looking to go "on holiday." In 1840, a train connected the city to London, making the beach accessible to the masses for the first time. Since then, Brighton is where people come for a good time. And though the town has grown a little shabby, Brighton still knows how to crank out the fun. The Royal Pavilion, once the holiday residence of King George IV, is one of Brighton's most eye-catching landmarks.

British attractions giant Merlin Entertainments has inked a deal with DreamWorks Animation to create a live, interactive adventure about everyone's favorite ogre, and the company says Orlando is under consideration as a site. Merlin plans to roll out six Shrek's Far Far Away Adventure attractions during the next nine years. Few details about the nature of the attraction have been released. At 20,000 square feet, it will play on the popularity of Shrek and his friends, who have been an enduring franchise for DreamWorks for more than a decade.

Brighton is southern England's fun city and the destination for students, bohemians and blue-collar Londoners looking to go "on holiday." In 1840, a train connected the city to London, making the beach accessible to the masses for the first time. Since then, Brighton is where people come for a good time. And though the town has grown a little shabby, Brighton still knows how to crank out the fun. The Royal Pavilion, once the holiday residence of King George IV, is one of Brighton's most eye-catching landmarks.

London dazzles year-round, but for a true "back door" experience, consider visiting in winter, when airfares and hotel rates are generally cheaper -- and there are fewer tourists. London's a super one-week getaway, with sights that can keep even the most fidgety traveler well entertained. As an off-season adventurer, you can wander alone through the National Gallery, gaze at the crown jewels undisturbed and be the only one trying to talk to stiff-lipped guards at Buckingham Palace.

LONDON -- The London Eye -- one of the city's tourist attractions -- was shut down for more than six hours Tuesday after a man climbed to the top of the 443-foot Ferris wheel. The man, who police think may have been a protester, started ascending the wheel about 6:30 a.m., and was talked down six hours later. The man's motivation was unknown.